Accepting Credit Cards as Payment

7

7/24

Member
I have a potential client (government) that prefers to pay by credit card. Just wondering what forum members accept this type of payment method, and what service you use. (i.e. machine, over the phone, PayPal, etc.)

Share good/ bad experiences with any method used.
 
Beware! Credit card clearing houses can be very crooked. I don't have any specific recommendations but if you want an online service, I know some guys that use authorize.net and say it's ok. Whatever you do, be sure to read all the fine print.
 
I use a paypal merchant's account. Runs 30/month plus 3% per transaction.

If someone insist on paying CC for your salary bump the price up to cover the percentage. Also, demand half up front and half on wrap. Hold the balance as an authorization.
 
Paypal is awesome... and when dealing with new clients its great to get that deposit taken care of.. even if you pay for the 3 percent fee, still better than having to wait for things or get checks. Now I also really really hate net 30.. and have been turning those types of jobs down.
 
i take all major credit cards. i got it all done through my bank - washington mutual. and so far the fees are not unreasonable and ive had ZERO problems.

and yes, ive found the current trend for big clients is to pay with amex. its a win win. you get paid faster, they get points
 
When I used paypal for credit cards - haven't had to in two years since I closed down my last company - I never had issues. It was very smooth and fast.
 
Our website uses Paypal as the backend to process credit cards -- if your customers are only going to order via your website, you can set it up so that there is only a per transaction fee (no monthly fees). However using that plan doesn't let you accept any over the phone or in person transactions.
 
I've also found that when you confirm that you need 50 percent deposit... then the BS clients and people who are just waisting your time will usually go away... It's not only a protection to YOU.. but to them in that you are going to be there.. that you are confirmed and all of that. I think that our industry gets treated as anything other than an industry and you and I have to always be dilligent in not getting screwed. I hate to have to hound people for cash... but a lot of that can be avoided by clearly stating things out.. contracts.. and deposits. Having a good lawyer isn't a bad thing either.
 
Where are you located?

If you are in the U.S., I use Sam's Club (First Data) and it is been a very nice company to deal with.

I pay $60 per year for the service and fees on top of that.

They also offer wireless terminals for rent ($85 per month). This is great for location shoots.
 
I use quickbooks for all of my business admin, and their "merchant services" is how I handle credit cards. The model is thus:
1. Purchase a download of QB and install.
2. Set up your company.
3. Configure you bank account into QB so you can download transcation info straight from your bank, online.
4. Purchase a merchant services account for about 30 bucks a month
5. get yourself a card swiper if you sell at tradeshows, events, etc. (I do horse shows and take orders on site)

It's all integrated with QB. It took me a little while to figure it all out, but now my accounting is all under control and I can easily print out any report imaginable at the end of the year which is nice for taxes and nice to see how I did. (how much further in the hole I am due to equipment puchases :)

I had looked into some other CC processing services and they freaked me out bigtime. They all came across like Crooklyn camera stores over the phone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top